29 February 2024

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) has been promoting the concept of the “Junzi” character and its five virtues of “Ren (benevolence)”, “Yi (righteousness)”, “Li (propriety)”, “Zhi (wisdom)”, and “Xin (trustworthiness)”, to corporations in Hong Kong, and had set these Junzi virtues as the yardstick to measure the ethical levels of businesses. HSUHK has conducted its annual Junzi Corporation Survey (“Survey”) since 2011 to foster a sense of social responsibility among businesses as they continue to develop profitable and sustainable operations.

HSUHK’s School of Business hosted the Junzi Launch Ceremony 2024 cum Business Leader Forum today. Dr Thomas Man, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) at HSUHK, introduced the 2024 Junzi Project in his opening remarks, and Dr Belinda Yau, Assistant Professor of the Department of Accountancy at HSUHK, introduced the 2024 Survey. Dr Yau confirmed that street interviews and online surveys will continue to be conducted this year to collect Hong Kong citizens’ feedback on general businesses across the city. Dr Yau also held a pledge with student surveyor representatives to officially launch the 2024 Survey.

Dr Lawrence Lei, Assistant Professor of the Department of Accountancy at HSUHK, introduced the judging criteria and award classifications for the 13th Junzi Corporation Awards, including the “Junzi Corporation Award”, “Junzi Corporation Award (Small and Medium Enterprises)”, and “Junzi Corporation Exemplary Award”. The “Junzi Corporation Exemplary Award” will be classified into individual “Ren”, “Yi”, “Li”, “Zhi” and “Xin” Junzi Virtues Awards, to felicitate Junzi corporations that meet high ethical standards in terms of the five virtues. The survey results and awardees list will be announced in June 2024.

At the Business Leader Forum held alongside the Junzi Launch Ceremony, Ms Sophia Chan, Corporate Communications Manager at The Macao Water Supply Company Limited, shared that the company has improved the efficiency and reliability of water operations by expanding different smart water services. This brings long-term returns to the company, and enables Macao to be a water-saving society and a caring city, which further promotes Macao’s sustainable development.  The Macao Water Supply Company Limited was awarded the “Junzi Corporation Award” and “Junzi Corporation Exemplary Award (Wisdom)” for its excellent business practices in 2023.